This is the Audi RS Q e-tron - the most interesting racing car of 2022. Back in January, it competed in its first-ever race – the biggest, most grueling, most hostile event on the planet: the Dakar rally. It was the first electrically-powered car to do so, and it was instantly on the pace, the three cars recording four stage wins between them. It uses an electric motor from a Formula E car on each axle, drawing power from a 50kWh battery pack underneath the seats. We know what you’re thinking - 50kWh is pretty average by today’s EV standards, especially considering this had to cover 8000kms of Saudi Arabian desert. Good thing it carries its own charger, in the form of a 2.0L turbocharged DTM engine from an old RS5.

Since Dakar cars are road-legal, we sent Top Gear Magazine’s Ollie Marriage to find out what the 2.3-metre wide racer is like to drive around town, before testing it in a slightly more suitable off-road location.

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:37 Q+A with Carlos Sainz Sr.
3:17 Road Driving
6:03 Off-Road driving
9:00 Highlights + Features
10:24 Party Trick
10:52 Outro

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